In a much-anticipated race at Durbanville, Red Palace confirmed her status as one of the top fillies in the country by defeating the Grade 2 winner Double Grand Slam.

The two horses, each boasting impressive records, finally met in what had been billed as the race to watch. While Double Grand Slam’s preferred distance is 1400m, Red Palace was stepping back in trip after a string of strong performances, including running Snow Pilot close in last year’s Cape Guineas and securing a Grade 2 victory in Durban.

As the race unfolded, Double Grand Slam appeared to have the upper hand in the home straight, but Red Palace, showcasing her class, surged ahead to clinch victory.

Trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, Red Palace had previously played second to stablemate Beach Bomb last season. With Beach Bomb no longer in the picture, Red Palace is expected to aim for even bigger races in Cape Town, with the prestigious Paddock Stakes a possible season-end target.

Image Cape Racing/Chase